Electric car-lighting



-2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

L. F. JORDAN. BLBGTRIG CAR LIGHTING.

Patented Peb.3,1891.

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(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

L'. F. JORDAN.

ELECTRIC GAR LIGHTING.

No. 445,954. Patented Feb. 3,1891.

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a4 fozymmao NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

vLVOOD l?. JORDAN, Ol? SOMlill-tVlliLlC, MASSACIILSE'PTS, SSIGXOR, SY MESNE ASSIGYMENTS, TO 'lllll l5. G. llilCC'lRltAli SUPPLY COMPANY, OF PORTLAND, MAlNll.

ELECTRIC CAR-LIGHTING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,954, dated February 3, 1891.

Application filed November 1G, 1889. Serial No. 330.600. (No model.)

To all 107mm/ it may concern; trolley, although it is evident that. my invenle it known that I, LINWOOD lf. JORDAN, tion is not limited to such a system but can a citizen of the United States, residing at be applied by those skilled in the art, with- Somerville, in the county el' Middlesex' and out departing from the principles set forth, to

5 State ot Massachusetts, have invented cerother and various systems et locomotion. 55

tain new and useiul Improvements in Lightln the drawings, A represents what isknown ing Cars by Electricity, ot which the tollowas the motor-car. ing is a specification. ll and B represent the trailed cars.

My invention relates to means tor lighting C is the conductor `furnishing the electric IO cars electrically; and it has for its object to current, which may be conveyed to the mo- 6o provide circuits and appliances whereby the tor-car by any suitable means, as by the trolcars may be lighted and connected in atrain ley C', from which it is conducted to one ot receiving the electricity from a motor-car or the switches and thence passes through the trom a generator located on one of the cars, circuits, according to the way the switches are I5 the object being te so arrange the circuits turned, and to the ground, as at G. l have 65 and appliances that any number of cars may not herein traced the circuits through the be connected to term a train and that the motor, which are the ordinary ones, but simelectrie current may be entirely coniined and ply the branch circuits through which the properly controlled by the trainmen, and at current passes to energize the lights.

2O the same time there will be no danger to the The motor-car is provided with two switches 7o passengers or the destruction ot the appa- D D', one at each end of the ear. The trailed ratus under the ordinary conditions ot' travel. cars are also provided with switches arranged To these ends my invention consistsin the in duplicate at each end of the car, one, two, variousarrangements,constructions,and comor three being used, according to the special 25 binations of parts hereinafter more fully arrangement ot circuits. 75 pointed out. The conductors between the cars are con- Referring to the accompanying drawings, nected by a suitable coupling device E; and Figurelisadiagrammatic representation ot a to prevent the wearing ot' the conductor as it motor-car and two trailed ears, showing a preswings between the cars l provide a support 3o terred form ot arranging the circuits and apconsisting ot a frame containing a moving 8o pliances. Fig. 2 is a similar diagrammatic ring supporting a diaphragm of flexible maview showing another arrangement of cirterial, through the center of which the concuits. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view showduetor passes, and which allows the conductor ing one system of wiring the motor and one to move longitudinally through the diaot the trailed cars. Fig. -t is a longitudinal phragm, and also provides for lateral move- S5 section ot one portion ot the coupling device. ment by the ring sliding or moving on the Fig. 5 is an end view et the same. Fig. G is frame.

a side view showing the two parts ot the l will now describe more in detail the arcoupler joined. Fig. 7 is a side view ot the rangement of circuits, referring especially to 40 frame or guide, showing the diaphragm and Fig. l. The current, passing from the trolley 9c holder. Fig. S is a vertical section thereof. C to the tour-part switch l), goes by con- Figtl is a side view ot a modified forni. Fig. duetor c. to the plate d ot the switch D',

1 0 is a plan view et the base ot the switch 'thence by the cross-bar d to the plate di, and device. Fig. ll is a side view, partially in thence through the wire a of the cable,.

45 section, showing the parts ot the switch dethrough the diaphragm-guide F to one por- 95 tached. tion ot thc coupler E. lt, for instance, the

In the accompanyingdrawings l have shown motor-ear should be reversed, the bar d of the my invention applied to a Streetcar system switch D would bc turned ninety degrees, so propelled by electricity, as from an overas to connect the plates d and d3 to the 5o head conductor, through the medium et a coupler at that end of the car. The returnrec circuit coming from the coupler E passes to the metal portion (Z4 of the switch D', thence through the safety-fuse f to the metal portion d", and to the ground at G. These portions d5 of the switches D and D are connected by the conductor so that whichever end of the car is connected to the trailed cars the circuits are practically the same. It will be evident from vthis that it is only necessary to change the relations of the metal bars d in the two switches to direct the current from either end of the car through the cable connected to the trailed cars orto turn them properly to entirely cut off or break the circuit between the motor-car and the trailed cars. The circuits in the trailed cars (which in this instance are precisely the same in all, and the connections are duplicated) may be described as follows: The incoming circuit from the coupler E is connected to the por tion d of the switch D2 and the return-circuit to the portion d4. The bar d being in the position shown in Fig. l, the current passes through the plate d to (Z3 in the switch D2, thence by the conductor d2, which is provided with a branch c2, leading to the switch D4, and another branch at the other end of the car leading vto the switch D5, and thence to the plate d3 of the switch D3, and by thebar d of this switch to the plate d and to the coupler E', and so on throughout the train. The return-circuit an, coming from the coupler E is connected to the plate d* of the switch D2, thence to the similar plates of the switches D5, D4, and D2 to the other terminal or coupler at the other end of the car.

Between the switches D4 and D is arranged a circuit L, containing the lamps in. series, and this circuit is connected to the plates (Z3 of the switches D* and D5, respectively, anda safety-fuse f is arranged between the plates (Z2 and d3 in each of these switches. Each car being provided with the circuits and switches set fort-h, the lamps therein can be lighted or extinguished from either end of the car, and the circuit, including the lamps in the rear cars, can also be controlled at either endl of the car. To do this itis evident thatby turning the bar d of the switch D2 all the circuits in the rear of this switch are cut out, or by turning the saine bar in the switch D3 the circuits of any car following may be cut out. When, however, the switches D2 and DS are arranged as shown, the following cars receive the current, and the lamps in this car can be lighted or extinguished from either end of the car by the switches D4 D5. In the car B the switch D4 is shown in the position to connect theflight-circuit L with the conductor a2 at the forward end of the car, while the lightcircuit is connected to the return-circuit x at the switch D, the current passing through one of the safety-fuses f, and this will be true whichever switch is arranged to close the circuitthrough thelam ps. In carB theswitches are arranged to take the current from the that instead of having a return-circuit passy ing through the ca rs there is a separate ground at each car, and I am thereby enabled to dispense with one of the switches at each end of the trailed cars and accomplish practically the same results. The current from the inotor-car passes through the coupler E to the switch D, and thence to the conductor c2, to the switch D7, and on through the coupler E to the next car. The light-circuit L is connected, as before, to the plates o f the respective switches, and when the bars d are in the position shown in car B the lamps are energized, the current passing to the plate d2, th ence by the safety-fuse f t0 plate alsof switch D7, thence through the circuit L tothe plate d, bar d, plate d4 of switch D6 to the ground. In car B the arrangement is the'same, except that the switches are shown in the opposite position, so that the current passes through the lamps in the opposite direction. It will thus be seen that in both arrangements of circuits shown in Figs. l and 2 the lamps are arranged in multiple-series circuit, and each circuit is completely under the control of parties on either end of each car.

In Fig. 3 practically the same circuits are shown, with the addition of another wire or circuit, by means of which the current can be passed through one car to the cars following without being in any way connected tothe circuits of that car. This arrangement requires another switch at each end of the car. I have also shown in this ligure one arrangement of circuits of the motor-car having at each end of the car two terminals, whereby it can be connected to the trailed cars going in either direction and the circuits may be completed therethrough. The current coming from the trolley C passes by wire c to both of the switches D2, and is the returnwire connecting these switches, the same as in Fig. l, and G is the ground. On the opposite side of the car the wire c connects the switches D, and the return and ground connections of these switches are precisely like that of the switches on the opposite side of the car. Frein each of the switches D8 and D9 extend the circuits to the Vcouplers E. In this figure, T represents the switch in the ordinary motor-circuit, but which forms no part of my present invention.

In the trailed car in Fig. 3, D10 represents the switches controlling the light-circuit L at each end of the car. Dl1 are the switches controlling the main circuit in said-car corresponding to the sw'itches D2 and D3 in Fig. l, and D12 are the switches controlling the main circuit of the cars following.

While different devices may be used in carrying out my invention and making the various connections set forth, I have illustrated ICO lIO

herein what l have found to be the most convenient and effective device for this purpose. 'lhe coupler lll consists of two parts made precisely alike, having a body c of some nonconductingmaterial, an internal plug c`2 fitted therein, in which is fitted a metallic socket c, having a terminal screw to connectono of the conductors thereto, and on the opposite side is arranged a plug ci, connected by a screw to the other conductor. The socket ef has an opening in one side through which passesthe lug or projection c, normally pressed forward by a spring c, preferably in the form of a block of elastic material. 'lhe plug` ci' isprovided with a recess e", with which the projection ci `engages to hold the two parts of the coupler together. Each body portion @of the coupler .is provided with a ring fr, projecting beyond its surface, which serves to aid in gripping the parts to couple or uncouple the same.

In order to prevent short-circuiting by accidental touch of the hand or otherwise, I [it in the end ot' the recessed body a cap es, which helps to support the plug el and covers the socket cg, it being recessed on the under side to receive the end and prevent the metal corning to the surface, and this cap also serves to retain the spring in position.' This cap may be secured by screws or otherwise. In order to prevent moisture, dust, or other extraneous matter entering between the two parts of the coupler when they are joined, I provide on the adjacent ends of cach part a gasket II, preferably in the form of a ring, fitting tightly the end of each portion of the coupler and normally projecting slightlybeyondthe same, so that when the two portions of the coupler are brought together the edges of the gaskets will abut and be forced outward, as shown in Fig. t3, and a tight joint is thus produced between the two parts.

, 'Io prevent the wearing of the conductor between the cars and allow tree movementwhile turning curves and the like, I provide on each end of each car a frame I,in which I mount an annular roller or ring F, which is free to move from one side to the other ofthe frame, and between the two parts of the ring F, I secure a diaphragm K, of some elastic material, which will support the conductor and at the saine time allow of longitudinal movement therethrough. In this way the conductor has entire freedom of movement without danger of wearing auddestroying the insulation.

In Fig, Q I have shown a slightly-different arrangement, in which the frame I supports the ring If, containing the diaphragm K, by a loop on its upper side. the opening through the loop, and through which the t' rame I passes, being preferably enlarged at its outer ends to allow the ring to swing or lnove freely therein.

rlhe switch device whichI prefer to use consists, essentially, of a base-piece M, having a number ot' terminals on, of metal, iitted therein and adapted to receive the ends ot the eenductors, which are secured therein by binding-screws nl. 'ihese terminals extend into the body of the switch and are connected to the plates Y, respectively, which plates are mounted upon the outer surfaces of the toothed cylinder All', rising from the base M. 'lwo of these plates N are connected by a safely-fusej", adapted to carry the desired current used. Fitted around the cylinder M is a cap 3l?, supporting a handle O, mounted upon a pin l?, which is adapted to extend into the opening' p in the base of the switch. A cross-bar 2 is secured to the pin I, and a spring (j, surrounding the pin, tends to force the bar into contact with the plates N and at the same time allows the turning of the handle to cause the bar to pass over one pair ot the plates N to another. In this way I am enabled to maintain goed electrical contact between the cross-barQ and the plates and at the same time to get quick snap break-andmake of the circuit to prevent the formation of any arc.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by ALetters Patent, is-

l. In an electric-lighting system for cars, the combination, with the motor-circuit and switches controlling it, of an electric-lighting circuit consisting of a main conductor extending through the car and a returnin or ground conductor, switches at each end of the car controlling the main conductor, conductors containing a series of lamps, and switches located at each end ot' the car controlling the circuit between said conductor and the main conductor, substantially as described.

2. In an electric-lighting system for cars, the combination, with the main conductor extending through the car, the return or ground conductor therefor, a switch at each end of the car controlling the circuits of the main conductor, a conductor including a series of lamps, and a four-point switch at each end of the car between said conductor and the main circuit, each switch being provided with a safety-fuse, substantially as described.

A coupler consisting of two like parts, each having a body of a non-conducting material and provided on itsexterior surface midway between its ends with a projecting ring of non-conducting material, and each part provided on its ends with a gasket of flexible material extending beyond the end,whereby when the parts are brought together gaskets will bulge out and make a tight joint., substantially as described.

et. In an electric-lighting system for cars, a coupler consisting of two parts, each part having a metallic socket connected with one conductor, a projection entering a recess in said socket,aspringfor maintaining said projection in place, and a plug having a recess corresponding to the projection and connected to the other conductor and adapted to tit the corresponding socket, substantially as described.

IOO

. arranged to support and protect the conductor between the cars, substantially as described.

7. In an electric-lighting system for cars, the combination, with the circuits, of the fourpart switch D, having sockets for the condnctors fitted in the base of the switch, and plates connected with seid sockets, two of the plates being;r connected withthe main circuit,

one of the plates being connected to the 11eturn-circuit and one of the plates being connected to the main-circuit plate by n fuse, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LINWOOD F. JORDAN. Witnesses: J. S. BARKER,

F. L. FREEMAN. 

